Ever since Disney Cruise Line first introduced family staterooms in the ‘90s, other cruise lines have been looking for ways to entice families with spacious, comfortable accommodation.
As a result, newer cruise ships boast a choice of cleverly designed family suites and connecting rooms that could comfortably house the Brady Bunch. So after a fun-packed day at the waterpark, kids’ club, or exploring on shore, there's plenty of space for everyone to kick back and recharge.
Here are seven cruise lines getting the thumbs up from families; however, some of these staterooms can be booked through the cruise line only and are not available through cruise agencies.
When it comes to catering for families, Celebrity’s family ocean view staterooms are spot on. The main room features two beds that can convert to queen-size, plus there’s a second bedroom with a twin bed and Pullman berth beds, which pull down easily to form a bed. And for extra space, floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead to a balcony where everyone can sit and enjoy the view. Find out more about Celebrity Cruises.
When Holland America Line launches ms Koningsdam in 2016, families will be battling it out for the line’s first-ever staterooms designed especially with families in mind. Ranging up to 231 square feet in size, the ship's 32 family ocean view staterooms offer two bathrooms and beds for five people. Other little luxuries will include USB ports, bathrobes, a massage showerhead, video-on-demand, complimentary fresh fruit, and Elemis Aromapure toiletries. Find out more about Holland America Line.
P&O’s newest ships, Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria, boast a new breed of inter-connecting rooms. A range of configurations is available to suit large groups and families. There’s quad-quad for groups of eight, twin-quad or triple-triple for groups of six, and twin-twin for groups of four looking for more space than the standard cabins. Rooms are side-by-side with a private door letting you enjoy the space together and apart. Find out more about P&O Cruises.
Let the whole family spread out in a Princess family suite. There are two bedrooms, which can be configured with a queen or two twin beds, plus two bathrooms and a sitting area with two sofa beds. Enjoy some quality family time out on the balcony decked with tables and chairs for four and two loungers. Find out more about Princess Cruises.
As if we needed any more reason to love Quantum of the Seas, this awesome ship features a choice of family staterooms with the ‘wow’ factor. There’s the Family Junior Suite, with one bedroom, one bathroom and a living area with twin beds and a double sofa bed, and Family Balcony Ocean View stateroom for up to six people. Or the gigantic three-bedroom, three bathroom suite with enough space for ten people. And you can go bigger still with the Presidential Family Suite, which features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a living area and balcony complete with whirlpool and wet bar! Find out more about Royal Caribbean.
Carnival knows how to appeal to families, and its accommodation is no exception. Carnival's ships offer cabins that can accommodate up to five people comfortably, cabins with an extra bathroom (perfect for teens!), and connecting rooms with a private door. Other perks include 24/7 room service and room steward, super soft linen, bathrobes, and a nightly turndown service. Find out more about Carnival Cruises.